AN historic archery club has concluded its outdoor season after a record-breaking year.

While many sports clubs have struggled through a second year of pandemic, Thirsk Bowmen has increased its membership, which is now well in excess of 100 archers, athletes and coaches.

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It has also been a year of outstanding achievements.

At a club level, Thirsk has taken several team trophies at regional competitions, and five of the club’s members shot for the Yorkshire County team in 2021.

Lindsay Howard set eight new national records in the Ladies Open Compound category, while Johnny Smart, aged 16, took a coveted silver medal at the Archery GB Junior National Target Championships.

He now joins a winter training programme at the National Sports Centre in Shropshire.

Fellow teenager Jess Hardesty Dean, who is also 16 won the Archery GB National Junior Barebow Girl trophy at clout archery.

And coach Danny Cameron was recently awarded Archery GB’s Coach of the Year for 2021.

Club chairman Ian Hunter said: “The club has had an amazing year. "Whether meeting the needs of our most ambitious athletes or providing a haven for relaxed shooting and good companionship, every member here can be very proud of their club.”

Thirsk Bowmen welcomes membership enquiries to club secretary Kay Farrer, tb.secretary@outlook.com.

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